“At any given moment, you have the power to say this is not how the story is going to end.”

Christine Mason Miller

On December 26, 2020, Buddy Tackett, an incredible person, passed away suddenly due to a cardiac attack. If you had the pleasure of knowing Buddy at any point in his life, you would know that he was a true gem. He was full of life, a friend to all, and had a heart of gold. Buddy was the ultimate "dreamer" and always had a positive outlook on life. Buddy was a graduate of Fresno State University and UCLA in California, where he earned his bachelor's and MBA. He was also a Captain in the Army and an outstanding athlete who played for the California Angels farm team in the Minor baseball league. Buddy was very active in the communities he lived in and served as a basketball coach at Notre Dame High School for several years and the Fitchburg Youth league. He was a longtime referee for basketball and soccer throughout the area and was heavily involved with Central Mass Soccer. Buddy was a past president of the IAABO Board 44 Referee Associates. But above all, Buddy loved youth sports and was always willing to lend a helping hand to young boys and girls. I was one of those lucky enough to have been touched by his kindness and generosity. Buddy's legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the memories he created.

Have you ever faced a pivotal moment in your life where you had to choose between two paths? A moment where the decision you made would alter the course of your entire existence? We call these moments "fork in the road" decisions, and they can be both exhilarating and terrifying. They force us to confront our fears, our hopes, and our dreams, and ultimately shape who we are as individuals.

Let me tell you a story about Buddy, a man who opened his heart to me back in 1976. I was just thirteen years old, living in Puerto Rico with my natural family, and stuck in a never-ending cycle of abuse, neglect, and dysfunction. It was a tough situation, and I knew even at that young age that things were only going to get more complicated. But then I met Buddy, a basketball youth coach I crossed paths with when my father was stationed in Panama. We started exchanging monthly letters, and through them, Buddy learned about my dreams of a better life in the United States and the desperate battle I was fighting every day. And that's when he did something truly remarkable - he opened his heart to me.

Back in 1977, I was just a young and hopeful soul, eager to explore the world and chase my dreams. Little did I know that my life was about to take a dramatic turn, thanks to one man's incredible kindness and generosity? That man was Buddy, and he and his family opened their home to me in the United States, giving me a chance to pursue my dreams and make something of myself. It's amazing to think that one person can have such a profound impact on another's life, but that's exactly what Buddy did for me. Thanks to his unwavering support and encouragement, I was able to earn not one, not two, but three advanced degrees in clinical psychology, including a doctoral degree. I even had the honor of serving as a Captain in the United States Air Force, working with our brave veterans to help them overcome the challenges they faced. But none of this would have been possible without Buddy. He was the driving force behind my success, the one who believed in me when no one else did. And I know I'm not the only one whose life he's changed. Buddy has touched the lives of countless others, offering his help and support to anyone who needed it. He was truly a phenomenal man, and I am forever grateful for his kindness and generosity.

Are you searching for a meaningful way to pay tribute to a cherished athlete and advocate for student athletes in need? Look no further than the Buddy Memorial Fund! This exceptional fund was created to provide scholarship funds to senior student athletes who may be struggling with the exorbitant costs associated with their education and sports activities. By contributing to this fund, you can help preserve Buddy's legacy of promoting positive team dynamics, attaining academic excellence, and giving back to the community. Your donation will have a genuine impact on the lives of these deserving students, enabling them to surmount financial barriers and realize their aspirations. Join us in commemorating Buddy's memory and supporting the next generation of student athletes!